Instruction Manual

2

Congratulations on your newly acquired Serpent 710. You have chosen the highest quality, ultimate-perform-ance 200mm racecar that is easy to use, assemble, and set up. As part of the worldwide team of Serpent drivers, you will also get superior technical support. Serpent has a tradition of excellence with instruction manuals, and with the new Serpent 710 manual we have yet again gone a step further. The new layout has easy to follow step-by-step assembly instructions and building tips, richly illustrated with 3D rendered full-color images. Following the instructions will result in a well-built, high-performance racecar that will soon be able to unleash its full potential at the racetrack.

InstructionsThis instruction manual has nine sections that will lead you through the assembly process of your Serpent 710. Follow the assembly steps in the order presented to ensure that no problems occur during assembly. Each step indicates all the fasteners and small parts used. Bag numbers are also shown to identify the kit bag that contains the appropriate parts for the step. When building your 710, do not empty the parts bags as you will need to refer to the parts by bag number several times during the various assembly stages.

Set-upIn certain assembly steps you need to make basic adjustments, which will give you a good initial setup for your Serpent 710. Note that fine-tuning the initial setup is an essential part of building a high-perform-

ance racecar like your Serpent 710. The Set-Up Book included in your Serpent 710 kit will help you to adjust your car. It contains detailed information on making basic settings, as well as in-depth information about the effect of changing the settings. Be sure to follow the procedures and be accurate with your adjustments not only now, but every time you prepare the car for practicing or racing. This is how the best drivers in the world do it - simple, straight forward, and accurate!

Exploded views and parts listThe exploded views and parts lists for the Serpent 710 are contained in a separate Reference Guide. The exploded views show all the parts of a particular assembly step, together with the Serpent part number. The parts lists at the end of the Reference Guide indi-cate the part number and name of each part for easy reference when re-ordering.

Safety precautionsIncluded with your Serpent 710 kit is a document enti-tled “Read This First” that covers safety precautions for the assembly and use of this product. We strongly recommend that you thoroughly read and understand that document, and follow all the precautions.

Section Page1.0 Front Assembly 42.0 Differential Assembly 93.0 Rear Assembly 114.0 Shock Assembly 165.0 Bodymount Assembly 196.0 Radio Plate Assembly 217.0 Gearbox Assembly 248.0 Centax Assembly 269.0 Final Assembly 29

Introduction

Contents

PERFORMANCE THROUGH EVOLUTION

3

Using the manualEach step contains a variety of numbers, lines, and symbols. The numbers represent the order in which the parts should be assembled. The lines and symbols are described below.

Line/Symbol Description

Assembly path of one item into another.

Group of items (within lines) should be assembled first.

Direction the item should be moved.

Glue one item to another.

Press/Insert one item into another.

Gap between two items.

Apply graphite grease (GR), threadlock (TL), CA glue (CA) or Serpent’s One-way Lube (OW). (items not included).

myTSN.comThe printed instruction manual included with your Serpent 710 kit is very complete, though due to continuous product development, more up-to-date information is provided at our myTSN.com web portal. This state-of-the-art R/C technology portal is where Serpent racers from all over the world meet and exchange their ideas, and share useful information and experiences about their Serpent cars.

All information about the Serpent 710 is acces-sible from the Serpent 710 product page on myTSN.com. You can access this page by going to the Products section, then search for the ‘Serpent 710’ product name.

From the Serpent 710 product page you will find the very latest information about your Serpent 710: reports by team drivers and other experts, tips and

tricks, FAQ, forums, setups, image gallery, down-loadable files, and even streaming video of the Serpent 710 on how to further improve the car. The latest version of the instruction manual (including team and racer tips, and part lists and option lists) will be made available as downloadable PDF-files and online viewable pages under ‘i-Manual’.

So be sure to visit myTSN.com and the Serpent 710 page. There is a world of up-to-date informa-tion about your Serpent 710 waiting for you, and it is just a few mouse clicks away! If you are not yet a member of myTSN, we strongly recommend that you sign up immediately so you can experience and enjoy an even wider range of services from Serpent and other myTSN partners.

www.myTSN.com/Serpent710

OW

Connect one item to another.

Length after assembly.

4

Step 1.1 Bag 06, 16, B12

B123.5x9.5mm

E143x16mm

1.0 Front Assembly

Step 1.2

Step 1.3

3

2

4

1

1

3

5

2

25

4

4

3

Assemble both front lower arms using the indicated steps.

2mm

IMPORTANT! Adjust both left and right upstop setscrews equally, otherwise the car may become tweaked under braking.

H123x10mm

H93x4mm

H93x4mm

H113x8mm

Bag 02, 15

Bag 04

B12

B12

B12

B12

H9

H12

H11

E14

H9

H11

E14

H9

G113x8mm

5

Step 1.4

Step 1.5

Step 1.6

3

2

1

Assemble both front upper arms using the indicated steps.

Default placement of front roll center alu spacers

4mm

2mm1mm

Caster Spacer Placement

<>

L3M3

E204x12mm

EF234x25

Bag 06, 17

H93x4mm

Bag 02, 15

G11G11

G11

L3L3

L3

EF23

EF23

E20

E20

H9

Dont tighten screws EF23. They will be removed in step 6.7.

<

6

Step 1.7

Step 1.8

2

3

4

45

6

6

1

2

2

OW

OW

1

16

E113x8mm

E123x10mm

Bag E11, E12

H113x8mm

Bag 11, 18

35T

E11

E11

H11

H11

E12

E12

It is possible to lock the front axle using the option set #802252

7

E123x10mm

U1312x18mm

E103x6mm

Step 1.9

Step 1.10

Step 1.11

Bag E10, U, 19

3

1

1

2

4 2

1

1

5

3

Change the position of BOTH eccentric hubs to adjust front belt tension. Both hubs should have the same position.

Assemble both steering blocks using the indicated steps. Left steering block shown.

Do not overtighten alu plugs. Pivotballs should move freely without binding or excessive play.

Assemble both steering blocks as shown.

IMPORTANT! Ensure the front suspension moves up and down freely without binding.

17mm

16.5mm

Looser

Loose

Tighter

Default

Bag U, E12, 07, 13

H83x3mm

P12x10mm

U1110x15mm

E12

E12

E12

E12

U13

U13

U11

P1

U11

H8

E10

Front Rear

8

B52.9x9.5mm

U66x13mm

B52.9x9.5mm

Step 1.12

Step 1.14

Bag U, 20

Bag 10

H164x4mm

R77mm

Step 1.13 Bag 12

2

1

1

2

1

4

5

3

1

2

2

22T

19T

U6

U6

B5

B5B5

R7

R7

H16

H16

B5B5

G10

G10

G103x6mm

9

2.0 Differential AssemblyStep 2.1

Step 2.2

Bag 11, 21

E184x8mm

Step 2.3 Bag U

U77x14mm

6mm

6.2mm

A

B1

2

3

45T

U7

E18

F123x10mm

10

Step 2.4

Step 2.5

Step 2.6

H164x4mm

3

1

2

Differential AdjustmentAdjust the diff friction collar to adjust the differential action. Tighten the adjustment screw to increase the spin-resistance of the differential; loosen the adjustment screw to reduce the spin-resistance of the dif-ferential. The tighter the diff collar, the more the differential resists the difference in speed between the inner and outer wheel. As a rule of thumb, the more grip a track has, the tighter the diff collar should be.

Use this screw to apply pre-load to the differential. Tighten it so that the diff pulley doesn’t slip while holding both diff shafts but still turns as freely as possible.

Tighten this locking setscrew to lock your initial setting.

Bag 22

H16

F12

11

G224x20mm

F153x20mm

3.0 Rear Assembly

Q113x10mm

Step 3.1

Step 3.2

Bag 05, 08

Bag 23

E123x10mm

Step 3.3 Bag 07, 13, U

U1312x18mm

2

1

2

1

3

1

1

2

Assemble both lower arms using the indicated steps.

Press pins into chassis so they are flush with bottom.

Default position of Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) spacer.

Press ball into end of arm until it snaps into place.

Change the position of BOTH eccentric hubs to adjust rear belt tension. Both hubs should have the same position.

<

Tighter

Default

Loose

Looser

G22

G22

Q11Q11

F15

E12

E12E12

E12

U13

U13 Front Rear

12

B82.9x19mm

E133x12mm

Step 3.4

Step 3.5

Step 3.6

Bag 08, 13

Bag 05

H93x4mm

1

2

3

2

3

5

4

41

5

1

2

Note the orientation of the inserts. Ensure that all four inserts are the same.

Note the orientation of the inserts.

Note the orientation of the two inserts. Ensure that both inserts are the same, and are oriented the same as the matching inserts.

Bag 09, 15, 24

H123x10mm

B8

B8

H9

H9

H12

H12

E13

E13

Use the outer position

13

H93x4mm

B123.5x9.5mm

Step 3.7

Step 3.8

Bag 09, 15

Bag 03, U, B12

P72.5x16mm

B123.5x9.5mm

Step 3.9

U66x13mm

1

2

32 6

1

1

2

5

4

Assemble both rear upper arms using the indicated steps.

Roughen metal plates with sandpaper before gluing.

Press pins into bulkhead until ends are flush with outer edge.

R33mm

U66x13mm

H9

U6

R3

P7

B12

B12

B12

B12B12

U6

14

H174x6mm

Step 3.10

Step 3.11

Step 3.12

Bag 12, 25

E113x8mm

3

1

2

4

5

4

1

2

3

Adjust ball end until it is flush with end of swaybar.

48mm

1:1

R77mm

H164x4mm

Bag 14, 26

H83x3mm

22T

24T

R7

R7

H17

H16

E11

E11E11E11

H8

15

Step 3.13

Step 3.14

H83x3mm

P12x10mm

1

1

1

4

3

2

Assemble both rear hubs using the indicated steps.

Do not overtighten alu plugs. Pivotballs should move freely without binding or excessive play.

Assemble both rear hubs using the indicated steps.

IMPORTANT! Ensure the rear suspension moves up and down freely without binding.

19mm

19.5mm

18.5mm

Front

Rear

Bag 01,27, U

U1110x15mm

U11

U11

P1

H8

16

Step 4.1 Bag 28

R11.9mm

N33x6mm

R22.3mm

Y1712.1x1.6mm

4.0 Shock Assembly

Front shocks: short shock shaft and bodyRear shocks: long shock shaft and body

Remove plastic flashing for smooth movement of pistons. Tab in upper piston fits in notches in lower piston

R2

N3

4

R1

Y17

3

2

1

2

1

Step 4.2

Step 4.3

Lubricate shock shaft with shock oil before inserting in shock body.

17

Y33x1.5mm

Fill the shock body with shock oil, with the piston at the bottom.

BleedingLet the oil settle and allow the air to escape. Slowly move the piston up and down to release any trapped air bubbles. Repeat as necessary until no bubbles appear.

Use a shock rod gripping tool, or grip the shock rod at top of exposed threads with side cutting pliers. Be sure not to damage the shock rod.

Y3

Step 4.4

Step 4.5

Step 4.6

1

2Lubricate O-ring with shock oil before sliding onto shock shaft.

Hint: Pre-thread ball-joint with M3 screw for easy assembly

18

Front Shocks: short shocks and springsRear Shocks: long shocks and springs

HardestFull CW

SoftestFull CCW

Damping adjustmentPull the shock shaft all the way out, turn slightly to lock it in the shock body.

Adjust the shock damping by rotating shock shaft CW or CCW to one of thefour positions. Each position can be felt by a slight “click.”

IMPORTANT! Each pair of front and rear shocks must have the same damping set-ting.

Shock length adjustment Check the length of the shocks in the extended, fully locked position.

Front shocks: 67.5mmRear shocks: 76.5mm

Adjust shock length with the ball-joint.

IMPORTANT! Each pair of front and rear shocks must be the same length.

Line up notch

Step 4.7

Step 4.8

1

2

2

3

2 Holes

3 Holes4 Holes

5 Holes

1

Press in pivotball from side opposite notch in top shock mount.

19

E113x8mm

5.0 Bodymount Assembly

E123x10mm

Step 5.1 Bag 14,29, E11

E103x6mm

Step 5.2

1

1

2

2

3

1

2

Upper shock default mounting position

Lower shock default mounting position

E293x18mm

H123x10mm

H12

E11

E11

E12

E29E12

E29

H12

E10

Bag E10

20

Step 5.3

Step 5.4

1

2

1

2

E103x6mm

E113x8mm

G123x10mm

Upper shock default mounting position

Bag E11

Bag E10

G12G12

E11

E10

21

E103x6mm

E133x12mm

6.0 Radio Plate AssemblyStep 6.1 Bag 10, 14,

30,E10, E11

Step 6.2

E113x8mm

E11M3x8mm

Step 6.3 Bag E11

12

3

3

5

4

1

2

4

3

1

2

Steering ServoOutput gear of steering servo must be towards the FRONT of car.

Throttle ServoOutput gear of throttle servo must be towards the FRONT of car.

The number on the servo arm corresponds to the number of teeth.23 - Sanwa / KO / JR24 - Hitec25 - Futaba

Securely attach receiver to mounting plate. Route antenna wire up through antenna mounting hole, and through antenna tube.

E133x12mm

E13

E13

E13E13

E13

E13E13

E10

E10

E11

E11

E13

E13

E11

E11

E11

E11

22

E113x8mm

B123.5x9.5mm

Step 6.4

Step 6.5

E103x6mm

E113x8mm

R44mm

Step 6.6

2

3

541

4

3

2

1

1

6

5

For clockwise circuits with mostly right hand corners the fuel tank lid nipple should be placed on the right side of the lid and the grubscrew on the opposite side. The opposite is true for anti clock-wise tracks with mostly left hand corners.

Important! Check that the fuel line and pressure line are free from debris and not blocked

Remove screws, but leave spacers in place atop front bulkheads.

1

Correct orientation of finished servo saver

Front

Rear

Bag 31, E11

Bag 03, B12

Bag 04, 32,U, E10, E11

E11

E11

H9

H93x4mm

B12B12

B12

B12

U3

E10

E11

U35x8mm

R4

Note: The fuel tank is equipped with a mounting point where shims can be mounted in the tank to make the vol-ume exactly 75cc.

For important races always have the volume of your fuel tank checked.

23

E113x8mm

U35x8mm

Step 6.7

P12x10mm

Step 6.9

Step 6.8

4

5

6

13

2

44.5mm

1:1

72mm

1:1

1

Position the metal pin at the desired body mount-ing height and then press the plastic collar down until it clips into place.

Correct orientation of mounted servo saver

Left and right track rods are the same length

E11

E11

U3

P1

P1

P1

P1

P1

Bag E11

Steering rod length

24

E133x12mm

7.0 Gearbox AssemblyStep 7.1 Bag 33

H83x3mm

1

1

4

4

3

3

3

2

Note: A good starting point is to have the screw head flush with the bottom edge of the hole. Make sure both screws are set equally.

E13

E13

H8

H8

Screw IN both adjusting screws to shift LATER.

Screw OUT both adjusting screws to shift EARLIER.

25

G103x6mm

Step 7.2

G103x6mm

U66x13mm

V56x10mm

Step 7.3

1

2

1

2

2

3

Bag 34

Bag U

G10

V5

U6

60T

56T

G10

G10

G10

G10

G10

26

8.0 Centax AssemblyStep 8.1 Bag 35

Step 8.2

0.5mm

27

F143x16mm

Step 8.3

Step 8.4

Step 8.5

5.2mm 5mm

BA F14

Larger inner dia. Smaller inner dia.

1mm

Bag 36

22T

17T

1

2

28

M115x8x0.1mm5x8x0.3mm

Step 8.6

Step 8.7 Bag U

Adjusting the clutch gap

Install only the clutchbell and the thrustbearing assembly on the engine crankshaft.

Push the clutchbell onto the clutch shoe, and then measure the distance A as indicated.

Pull the clutchbell away from the clutch shoe, and then measure the distance B as indicated.

The clutch gap is A – B; the correct gap is 0.7mm.If the clutch gap is greater than 0.7mm, you can easily calculate the thickness of shims required to set the correct gap:Thickness of shims required (in mm) = A – B – 0.7

For example, using the values A=1.3mm, B=0.3mmShim thickness = 1.3 – 0.3 – 0.7 = 0.3mm

Place shims between the outer thrustbearing plate and the rim of the thrustbearing carrier as shown.

A

B

Shims

Thrustbearing

Thrustbearing carrier

Pull

Push

Add small shims to allow only small amount of endplay.

U45x10mm

M11U4

U4

29

E113x8mm

H113x8mm

9.0 Final AssemblyStep 9.1 Bag 14,

37, E11

Step 9.2

G113x8mm

EF194x10mm

Step 9.3

1

2

3

4

6

2

11

Adjusting the 2-speed shoe gapLoosen the gap-setting setscrews (H8 in step 7.1) to allow the shoes to rest on the drive adaptor.

Install the 2-speed shoes in the 2nd gear carrier, but do NOT install the 1st gear.

There should be equal but minimum spacing between the 2-speed shoes and the 2nd gear carrier. Tighten BOTH gap-setting setscrews until the shoes touch the inside surface of the aluminum 2nd gear carrier, then loosen BOTH screws by 1/2 turn each. The 2nd gear carrier should spin freely.

Install the 1st gear.

OW

F133x12mm

G11E11

E11

P13

R5

EF19

EF19

EF19

EF19

F13F13

F13F13

R55mm

P133x14mm

5

H11

30

E113x8mm

E283x14mm

E184x8mm

H174x6mm

Step 9.4

Step 9.5

Step 9.6

1

22

1

4

2

3

2

3

4

1

Orientation of belt tensioner bearings

Looser

Tighter

Side Belt Tension Adjustment

Assemble pipe to the correct length.

Secure exhaust header to engine using appropriate springs (not included).

Bag 14, 38E11, U

U35x8mm

V35x8mm

Bag 39

E28

E11

E11

E11

V3

V3

U3

H17

E18

31

C52.5x8mm

E103x6mm

Step 9.7

G194x10mm

Step 9.8

Step 9.9

1

2

2

3

1

1

Securely attach a AAA 5-cell receiver battery pack to the battery tray.

Note: Serpent offers the pre-built 5-Cell battery set (#801173) for the Serpent 710. For more information, see the appropriate product page on myTSN.com

Front tires (narrow)

Rear tires (wide)

The number on the servo arm corresponds to the number of teeth.23 - Sanwa / KO / JR24 - Hitec25 - Futaba

Bag 40, 41E10, E11

E113x8mm

H83x3mm

G19

Carb LinkageCut one of the long pieces to 5cm

Brake Linkage

1

Note position of carb linkage

2

3

4

5

6

5

M64x8mm

M6

E11

E10

C5

C5

H8 H8

Wheels supplied with this kit may vary from those shown in the image.

Fuel line length - 10cmPressure line length - 13cm

P.O. Box 180, 2100 AD Heemstede

The Netherlands, Europe.

Tel: (31) 23 529 2068

Fax: (31) 23 528 4950

E-mail: info@serpent.com

Serpent USA, Inc.

West Park Center,

2830 NW 79th Avenue,

Miami, Florida 33122, USA.

Tel: (305) 639 9665

Fax: (305) 639 9658

E-mail: info@serpent-usa.com

www.myTSN.com/Serpent710

#802110 - Version 1